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The Changing of the Guard
By Stephen Bassett
Introduction: A Focus on Transition In discussing the dynamics of social and scientific advancement, it is important to highlight the concept of the “changing of the guard.” This term refers not to specific individuals but to the broader shift in roles between those who first champion a cause or idea and those who later take up the mantle. The lines between the so-called “old guard” and “new guard,” as well as who ultimately participates in this transition, are matters of capability, perspective, and intent. The spirit of this discussion, without reference to any individual, is to acknowledge the contributions of all involved and to wish them recognition and success. Parallels Between Science and Activism Both science and activism share a significant trait: the pathway to major breakthroughs is often long and arduous, sometimes taking decades or centuries. The ideas or causes they pursue are frequently dismissed by the prevailing culture as irrelevant, misguided, or frivolous. Consequently, those who dedicate themselves to such pursuits are often labeled as unserious, disruptive, or even irrational. For progress to be recognized, it is essential to persuade established authorities in the respective fields to acknowledge the validity and importance of the effort. Their support is crucial for broader acceptance and ultimate success. This process can be lengthy, with early advocates not living to witness the prize won, though they may be there for the “changing of the guard.” Science and activism have some notable commonalities: major breakthroughs often require many decades, even centuries, to come about. The scientific research or activist issue being engaged is considered by the extant culture to be unimportant, misguided, frivolous. By extension, those involved in the process are seen as unserious, disruptive, even crazy. Recent Developments in Disclosure Efforts Currently, these themes are evident in the 80-year scientific quest to verify the extraterrestrial presence and the parallel 30-year activist campaign to end the U.S. Government’s truth embargo on this reality and related matters. The transition phase began in the fall of 2017, and within three years, much of the stigma and ridicule associated with these efforts was significantly reduced. The professional media, influential members of Congress, prominent scientists, and other establishment figures have increasingly supported the cause. Remarkably, more progress has been made in the past seven years than in the preceding seventy. This ongoing transition naturally raises questions about the fate of the old guard, those who first carried the cause forward. Recognition in Science versus Activism The pursuit of truth through the scientific method - arguably humanity’s most critical invention - is deeply respected and institutionally embedded in society. Individuals who initiate complex, controversial, or even ridiculed research that ultimately uncovers profound truths are often honored; being among the first can lead to significant recognition. This system benefits both science and society. Activism, however, occupies a different space. Major activist movements typically seek to change policies to promote justice, fairness, equality, transparency, and truth within governmental systems up to the highest levels of power. Governments, generally resistant to unsolicited change, may respond to activist pressures with varying degrees of severity, including ridicule, stigma, subversion, intimidation, propaganda, legal action, imprisonment, or even execution. Such resistance has been evident in every significant activist movement of the 20th and 21st centuries. Some movements are suppressed while others succeed, and the stories of those who drove these efforts are well documented. Success in these movements invariably requires the changing of the guard. The Unique Challenge of the Disclosure Movement The Disclosure movement, while poised for success, faces a unique challenge: the U.S. Government has long denied the very existence of the phenomenon at the heart of the movement. This is akin to denying the existence of Cuba while dismissing protests against its embargo as the folly of the deluded. This denial fueled a level of derision so severe that activists were relegated to an “intellectual ghetto,” not as state enemies but as pitiable outcasts. This harsh response - now thankfully receding - has deeply influenced the psychology surrounding the changing of the guard. Activists who persistently called for government acknowledgment of the extraterrestrial presence were branded as unstable, even though history has proven they were correct. Unfortunately, the stigma of being seen as “crazy” is harder to overcome than merely being wrong. As the movement gains traction and new leaders emerge, there is often reluctance to acknowledge or include the pioneers who first championed the cause, even though they were right. The stigma lingers. In other words, you’re still crazy.
In the decades since Roswell, mainstream institutions have not offered awards, grants, or commendations to those who challenged official narratives, particularly on matters of national security. Recognition has largely come from within the movement itself. For members of the old guard wishing to join with the new, the path remains challenging. The Enduring Value of Activism The activist path has never been an easy one going as far back as history records. Merely reaching the mountain top and seeing the other side is quite the accomplishment and perhaps enough reward. But societies that choose to honor pioneers of social, political, or judicial change - even those they find particularly irritating —stand to benefit in both visible and unforeseen ways. A serving political activist has observed: “When you are wrong about an activist goal (it happens), many will not like you. When you are right about that goal, many will really not like you.” Eh, being liked is often overrated.
For an introduction of many who have passed, one can visit the In Memoriam section at www.paradigmresearchgroup.org/in-memoriam December 2025 (Published January 2026) Stephen Bassett is the Founder of the Paradigm Research Group and the Executive Director of The Hollywood Disclosure Alliance To Contact Stephen Bassett: In Memoriam www.paradigmresearchgroup.org/in-memoriam
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞ An Historical Event UAP-UFO Disclosure Takes a Serious Turn July 26, 2023
Thank you Ryan Graves, David Grusch, and David Fravor for your continued service to our country. Our sincere thanks go out to these brave men and their families and to our friends and colleagues in the Exo-Political Community for making this incredible hearing possible.
Ryan Graves, David Grusch, and David Fravor testifying under oath at the House Oversight & Accountability Committee’s National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs Subcommittee’s hearing on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena on July 26, 2023, in Washington. – Photo Credit, Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zQJT4hvfMlU
Americans for Safe Aerospace Americans for Safe Aerospace is a military pilot led 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to aerospace safety and national security with a focus on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP). ASA was founded by Ryan Graves, a former Lieutenant U.S. Navy F/A-18 pilot, who was the first active duty pilot to come forward to Congress about UAP. https://www.safeaerospace.org/
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